Disclaimer: Ideas are fictional; not making any money on this. Hawaii 5-0 belongs to CBS. That's okay because none of this would work on TV.
Family Life, Chapter 8
Thanksgiving, 2021
It was Steve's favorite time of the year. Ten years ago Steve met Mom and Dad Williams for the first time Thanksgiving week. He was still recuperating from his ordeal in North Korea. Steve had been prepared to die at the hands of Wo Fat when the raid was made on the truck caravan. He could close his eyes and remember how it felt that moment when Danny lifted the canvas covering the back of the truck. Danny came to save him.
As it turned out, the whole 5-0 team as well as members of SEAL Team 9 came to save him. A few days later, the Williams flew in to spend the holiday with their son and granddaughter and Steve. And for the first time since he was 16, he knew what it was to have a mother again. Mom Williams embraced him at the airport like there was no tomorrow and spent the rest of the week pampering him. Dad Williams did the same.
It was a perfect week. Steve piloted his new family on a sightseeing helicopter ride around the islands. Mom tutored Steve and Danny on the fine are of preparing a holiday feast. He celebrated Thanksgiving with his 5-0 ohana, his rescuers from SEAL Team 9, and Danny's family. They all procured the perfect Christmas tree and decorated it together before Mom and Dad returned to New Jersey.
Steve remembered how they decorated the house that year. When he fell ill to an infection related to his injuries from North Korea, Danny and Grace nursed him back to health. It was his first real Christmas in 18 years plus they had an added bonus of Grace with them for all of the holiday season.
The intervening years have been equally precious. A year later, Shelley was carrying their precious son Jack. The next year was their first Christmas with Jack. Every year after that, Steve shared Jack's delight in the joys of the holidays. He celebrated with Grace and Danny too, but there was something magical in looking at Christmas through the eyes of a young child.
This year Mom and Dad were spending Thanksgiving with them again. It was Jesse's second year to spend the season with them. A little over a year ago, Jesse lost his parents to a senseless murder-suicide committed by his father. Brave little Jesse hid and called 911 to ask for Steve's help. They brought Jesse home late that night and he's been with them since then. Those first few months were difficult for Jesse. He was plagued with nightmares that Jack tried help with, but Jack was just a little boy. Steve and Danny eventually discovered what was happening and made sure both boys knew that it was their job to comfort and protect their sons. By the time that they adopted Jesse in May, he was secure with his place in their home and their hearts.
The nightmares faded into distant memory and Jesse loved his new family deeply. He would always remember how bleak his life was before he came to live with his best friend Jack. The only bright spots were the times he spent with Jack and his two dads. While his parents weren't physically abusive, they had little time for their son. There were no birthday or holiday celebrations.
This year Jesse knew what was coming. The house would be ablaze with lights everywhere. The nativity scene would be placed in a prominent place in the front yard. There would be a large Christmas tree decorated with special ornaments including one with Jesse's name. They would bake cookies and other goodies, help with the base party for dependents, attend the Christmas program at school, and otherwise take advantage of every opportunity to spread goodwill to all.
Danny also embraced the Christmas season. When he was growing up, it was a very busy and happy time. There was a lot of food enjoyed with the large Williams clan. He loved the lights and the food and his family. After his marriage, he enjoyed dressing up as Santa on Christmas Eve for Grace. Now he carried on the tradition for their boys, and his island ohana took the place of his family back on the mainland. There were some bleak years right after his divorce, especially that first year with the Charlie Brown tree and Kamekona-sized Santa suit. Even then, Steve and the team made the day special.
Jack was very much the product of both Steve and Danny. Although his DNA was from Steve only, he was very introspective about his family. He understood that many of his friends considered it unusual for him to have two daddies, but Jack had no problem with that. He didn't lack for female influence in his life. There was Grace who adored him almost from the first day Steve and Danny brought him home. He also had Aunt Rachel, Aunt Kono, and Aunt Malia. He knew that he had no biological ties to any of them, but he considered them ohana of his heart.
Most of all, he knew that Danny and Steve loved him and would do everything in their power to keep him safe and happy. That included giving their lives for him. Jack also knew that was unlikely given how good both men were at their jobs. They kept the islands safe for all citizens and visitors of Hawaii. They had the full support of their 5-0 ohana.
Jack enjoyed Christmas with all the childish glee that Steve appreciated and the deep sense of family tradition that Danny experienced. He was thrilled to have his Nana and Poppa here for Thanksgiving. He missed Grace with an ache that wouldn't go away. He was devastated when he was told that Grace wasn't coming home for any of the holidays. Steve and Danny were keeping their trip to the United Kingdom a secret for now.
Jack was consoled only because by the knowledge that Jesse was now officially his brother and they would share the season together. Jack knew that last year was the first time that Jesse could remember having a Christmas tree or any presents.
Even then Jesse was somewhat surprised to be included in all of the festivities. He loved the shiny new bike with his name on it. He couldn't believe the special gift that Grace opened for the family. He would be going to Disney World with his new family. He was initially apprehensive and even a little overwhelmed by the trip to New Jersey to meet his Danno's family. That lasted as long as it took for Nana to help him out of his seatbelt. Jesse remembered that first hug like it was yesterday. Nana was soft and she smelled like cookies and spices. His Poppa was equally excited to have another grandson. It was a special moment in a year of special moments.
The McGarrett-Williams family stood impatiently waiting at baggage claim for Mom and Dad. It was something that they did at least once or twice a year, but waiting never came easily. Steve spent extra time with Jack trying to help him cope with his ADHD, but neither did well during the holiday season. He dearly loved his in-laws and loved having them on the island.
As the tallest in the family, he was first to see Mom and Dad. "Hey Danny, there they are. Wow! Mom looks great." Neither of Danny's parents was very tall, and Mom in particular struggled with her weight. She usually carried and extra 20 or 30 pounds, but the woman making her way to them was fit and trim.
"Excuse me but you look just like my mother only 10 years younger." Danny couldn't resist teasing his mother but he was pleased to see her looking so healthy. He was old enough that some of his aunt and uncles were in poor health, and his mother's older sister passed away last year from heart problems. He thought that mom looked very tired during their last visit.
"Oh Danny, stop it. A woman can't lose a few pounds without everyone giving her a hard time?" Mom scolded Danny but she was really pleased that he noticed. After a bad report from her last physical, she decided to get serious about getting healthy. She had reached her goal at Weight Watchers by eating carefully and working out every day. Her precious Jack and Jesse were active little boys and she wanted to be able to keep up with them.
Steve hugged her tightly and stepped back to look at her. "You looked really good. Maybe you'll want to join me in the morning for an early swim? The water is really warm."
"I'll settle for a brisk walk on the beach and maybe a short swim later in the day. I must return the compliment. You all look really good too. Work isn't keeping you up at night?"
"Things haven't been too hectic lately. The team has grown enough that we don't pull too many all-nighters. That doesn't mean that my former super-SEAL stays out of trouble."
Dad finally caught up with Mom and collected his hugs from the family. "I was afraid you guys would be gone by the time I got here. I can't keep up with Mom anymore."
"That's okay Poppa. We wouldn't leave without you. Can you cut my hair again while you're here?" Jesse had latched onto his grandfather and didn't want to let go. Even after a year with his new family, grandparents were a novelty.
"Jesse, I would love to give you another haircut. Danny, do you have clippers at your house or do we need to buy them?"
"Don't worry Dad. Steve has a pair at home. Maybe you could clip his hair his too. It looks a little shaggy."
"Thanks Danny but I don't think so. Dad, it's great to have you here again to share the holiday."
It took a while but Steve and Danny finally found all the baggage and loaded everyone into the SUV. The conversation was animated as the boys talked about all the things they wanted to do while their Nana and Poppa were in town. Mom and Dad were a little tired from their long day of traveling and were content to let the boys talk. They were familiar with the drive from the airport after all their trips to visit their son and his beautiful family. It had become a second home to them, and the 5-0 ohana were their extended family.
Finally Steve pulled into the driveway and popped the rear hatch open. Danny went ahead to unlock the door and turn the alarm off. "Mom and Dad, why don't you come in and get comfortable while I help the bell captain bring your bags in? You're in Grace's room."
Mom stopped to give her son another hug. "Thanks Danny. It's really great to be here. It seems strange without Grace. I know that you and Steve and the boys must be missing her. Why isn't she coming home for any of the holidays?"
"Mom, we'll explain later. It's going to be okay." Danny went back to the SUV and took the last bag out. The boys were pulling a smaller bag between them although Steve helped them up the steps.
Soon, the family was gathered on the lanai for a cool drink. Steve already lit the grill in preparation for an early dinner. Danny and Steve had decided that they would tell the boys about their Christmas trip after Mom and Dad arrived. Now was the time.
"We have an announcement to make. Mom, you asked about Grace's stay in London. She decided to remain there for Christmas with Rachel's family because Stan and Rachel are taking their family to London for the holidays. We knew how much we would miss her and we talked with Rachel and Stan. As it turns out, we're taking the boys to London to spend Christmas with the family there."
The boys let out whoops of delight. They were used to sharing Grace with her other family but they couldn't see how Christmas would work without her. Mom and Dad were also relieved to know that the families would be together.
Steve held up his hand to get their attention. "Wait, there's more. We're leaving on December 22nd for London. We'll have a few days to visit with Grace. Then on the 27th, we'll board a ship and cruise around the British Isles and tour Ireland and Scotland. We'll be on a 10-day cruise. The boys will miss a couple of days of school, but we feel the educational value of the trip will offset that. Besides, we're going to have a great time."
That made the boys even happier. They decided it would be a grand adventure. The rest of the day went quickly. They had grilled fish and veggies for dinner and everyone took a walk in the surf. They later adjourned to the living room to watch the Giants' football game. As usual, Mom and Dad retired early although the boys stayed up a little late. They were out of school for the week.
Later that night, Steve and Danny were tangled together in the middle of the bed. Their parents were asleep down the hall and their sons were tucked in their room. Thanksgiving would mark the beginning of the holiday season for them and they knew that they would be very busy for the next month. But for tonight, their home was full of family and all was right with the world.